Alberta Premier Jason Kenny, the leader of the United Conservative Party, announced on Wednesday that he was stepping down, escaping a no-confidence vote with 51.4% of the vote in his favor.
“However, 51% of the constitutional majority [pour rester comme chef], It is not inferior enough to remain in the lead. That is why I have announced my decision to step down as leader of the United Conservative Party, ”he told a gathering in Calgary.
A total of 34,298 members voted. Of these, 17,638 voted in favor of Jason Kenny and 16,660 against him.
“Sorry, but my friends, I truly believe we need to move forward together. We need to put the past behind us and many of our members have asked for the opportunity to clarify things through leadership competition,” said the Prime Minister of Alberta since 2019.
There have been a number of opposition voices within the party in recent months, mainly criticizing Jason Kenny for handling the epidemic, which has been described as exaggerated, even though Alberta is one of the provinces that does not want to rely on control measures to slow the spread of Govt. -19.
His leadership style was also criticized. Brian Jean, Sling’s main leader against the prime minister and former United Conservative candidate, said on his social media that if Kenny took charge, the party would be wiped out by the opposition and former NDP premier Rachel Nodley would be withdrawn. To the office.
“The leadership contest is about who can beat Rachel Nodley next year. Every poll (but one) says Kenny can’t. This pollster has a new poll that Kenny is going to miss on a large scale. The UCP needs to be renewed or Nodley will get a majority, “said Mr. Jean on his Facebook page.
Former Prime Minister and Mr. Kenny responded to the decision, minutes after the announcement.
“I want to thank Jason Kenny for his public service. There are many things we disagree with, but it does not negate the time and sacrifice it takes to accept the role of Prime Minister. The work has not always been easy. The days are long and often hard, and I’m sure today. My congratulations to Jason,” he said. Said on Twitter.
